MS Dhoni played a rather bizarre knock during India’s chase yesterday, scoring 37 of 59 balls before heading back to the pavilion.
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Dhoni walked in with India needing close 8 runs per over in order to secure this massive chase. However, Dhoni, along with his partners just couldn’t get going, as the England spinners kept bowling brilliant lines and did not allow the Indian batsmen to stroke their way away.
Three quick top order wickets had put a lot of pressure on that Indian middle order and when Kohli was adjudged LBW off Moeen’s bowling, it seemed like an uphill task.
However, what was baffling was the lack of intent on part of Dhoni and Pandya, as the duo just seemed to amble around and let things be as they were.
While Pandya was still scoring at a run-a-ball, Dhoni went into his shell, blocking away deliveries and not really taking the attack to the opposition when needed.
The fans were left a little frustrated with this gesture of Dhoni’s and everyone was seeking an answer in the post match presentation.
Kohli did suggest that Dhoni was doing so in order to avoid a mammoth 150-160 run defeat, as would have been the case, had Dhoni departed whilst going for his shots.
Yuzvendra Chahal addressed the media after the game and spoke about the rationale behind Dhoni’s innings.
“Because later on there were only Kaul, me(Chahal) and Kuldeep, it wasn’t like 2-3 batsmen were remaining” said Chahal.
“Also, I think Mahi bhai hasn’t batted throughout the series, and this was his chance of getting a knock.
“Because if he had hit a shot and gotten out, maybe we couldn’t have batted for 50 overs” he added.
It was odd to see Dhoni bat that way, but you would have to give the experienced man some credit for helping India not lose by a massive margin. Also, during his knock of 30 odd, Dhoni became only the 12th player in the history of the game to score 10,000 ODI runs.
